James Edward Cox, 71, of DeBerry, Texas, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022. He was born on December 11, 1950, in Center, Texas to the late Jasper Henry and Lizzie Clara Parker Cox. He graduated from Shelbyville High School with the class of 1970. Mr. Cox married Martha Ann Ray on May 17, 1974, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in DeBerry where he has been a longtime member. He worked for 28 years at Texas Utilities/Luminant Mining until his retirement in 2010. Mr. Cox was a Mason and a member of the Sam Houston Lodge #32 in Shelbyville. He also was a charter member and served as a volunteer fireman at the Inter Community V.F.D. for many years. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jaime Cox Halcumb and brothers, Billy Joe Cox and Dewey Cox.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Martha Cox of DeBerry; son, Matthew Clay Cox and wife Brandy of DeBerry; daughter, Kristen Stuka and husband Wally of Houston; grandchildren, Braxton Cox and wife Cassie, Kaylee Cox, Emily Halcumb, Grace Halcumb, Jacey Roper, Josey Roper, and Carter Stuka; 4 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Tommy Cox, Sr. and Dudley Cox and wife Viva all of Shelbyville. Numerous other relatives and a host of friends also survive.

A funeral service with Masonic Rites will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Rusty Kilpatrick officiating.  Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 on Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Braxton Cox, Dylan Mercer, James Hill, James Mercer, Jeremy Ray, and Jeff Halcumb.

Memorials may be made to Shady Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Gene Parker, 4291 F.M. 1794 East, DeBerry, Texas 75639.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.